20th NOVEMBER 2025

 

Woke up to this today!

I have never been a great fan of snow but it looks nice out there, the house is warm, there's plenty of food in the cupboard and we have loads of books to read so I have no complaints.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker was desperately trying to get at a few crumbs left in one of the bird feeders so the pristine snow is now pitted with our foot prints as we went out to feed him.

He has been joined by the usual colourful crowd in the tree and a large Magpie strutting around on the floor.  Entertainment for us but survival for them.

Don't know how long the snow will last.  I still have a few begonias and dahlias in the garden but they are probably dead by now!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

9th November 2025

Mahonia flowers are brightening up the garden now.  It will stay in flower for weeks attracting insects which in turn attracts the birds.    Once the flowers finish it will be covered in small black berries.  

This one was overhanging our pergola and blocking out the sunshine so I cut it back quite dramatically last spring.  It is tough as old boots and quickly grew new leaves (in a lovely shade of red) and it is thriving again.

One of my favourite shrubs!

We have had three birds to add to the garden list:

STOCK DOVE

REDWING

MISTLETHRUSH

----------------------------------------------------------------------